Gatekeepers

Goal of Program | Objectives | Eligibility | Referral Form

The Hamilton Gatekeepers Program is an initiative of Catholic Family Services that works in conjunction with health and social service community partners to identify seniors living in severe self-neglect, known as “Diogenes Syndrome”. This service is intended to increase access to support services for vulnerable and at-risk seniors and prevent the need for other expensive services, hospitalization and long term care.

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Goal of Program

• The Gatekeepers Program utilizes a client-centered approach to assist seniors living in severe self-neglect in accessing support services; otherwise described as “opening the Gate to services.”  

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Objectives

• Improve quality of life
• Increase overall health and well-being
• Decrease social isolation
• Increase safety within the home (link with services to decrease safety risks associated with tripping hazards, blocked fire exits, pests, etc.)

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Eligibility

• The client is 60 years of age and over
• Signs of extreme personal neglect:
     - poor hygiene, body odour, wearing dirty or inappropriate clothing
• Signs of extreme domestic neglect:
     - Home is in severe disrepair, bad odours, excessive clutter, neglected pets, and lack of food.
• Signs of excessive hoarding
• Social withdrawal
• Refusal of assistance
• Lack of concern about living condition

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Referral Form

• Gatekeepers/Seniors Intervention and Support Program Referral Form